As the nation celebrates Women's Month in August - spotlighting the achievements and contributions of women across various sectors, two trailblazing individuals stand out for their remarkable accomplishments in the traditionally male-dominated field of farming.
Ipeleng Kwadi and Neo Leburu, two women from diverse backgrounds, are defying stereotypes, shattering barriers and making their mark in the agricultural landscape.
Hailing from Brits in the North West, Ipeleng Kwadi, a livestock farmer, is redefining age and gender norms through her family-owned enterprise, Motsemotala Cooperative Farming. Growing up in an environment steeped in farming, she inherited a passion for the land from her father, who instilled a deep respect for nature and sustainable practices. These lessons would prove to be the foundation of her thriving farming career.
Ipeleng's journey began in 2012 when she managed cattle on her family's farm. Emboldened by this experience, she embarked on establishing her farm. With determination and resilience, she now employs 11 individuals and oversees raising pigs, goats, chickens and cattle. Her commitment to innovation and sustainable farming practices reflects her belief that the future of agriculture lies in the hands of the youth, especially women.
Beyond her business, Ipeleng actively mentors young people in the North West province. Collaborating with entities like the office of the North West Premier and the National Youth Development Agency, she strives to empower the next generation of farmers. For Ipeleng, one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey is being a role model, particularly for young women, encouraging them to break barriers and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
In her own words, Ipeleng asserted: "The journey hasn't been easy due to some challenges in the industry. Farming is a precarious business. However, it is good to be in the farming industry because it is a basic need of our continent."
She said that women have the power to close the gender gap and seize the market opportunities that await them.
In another corner of South Africa, Neo Leburu from Ganyesa village is making waves with her 100% black female-owned farm, Tshimo Agribusiness. Established in 2006 and officially registered in 2018, Neo's determination and resilience have propelled her beyond gender norms and societal expectations.
Specialising in livestock breeding, including goats, sheep, chickens, and cattle, Neo's journey showcases her dedication to agriculture.
Operating on communal land, Neo has embraced traditional farming practices and delved into innovative ventures, such as an egg hatchery project. Through this project, she hatches chicken eggs under artificial conditions, providing her community with day-old broilers, layers, village chickens, and table eggs. Her business acumen extends beyond her village, reaching neighbouring communities.
At 33 years old, Neo manages her business with two permanent employees and six casual workers. Her ambitions are grand, encompassing expansion beyond her province and exploring export opportunities to other countries.
Her success story began with the humble gift of three goats, passed down through generations. Seizing the legacy of her grandfather's communal land, Neo has shown that with determination and vision, women can break barriers and achieve greatness.
For Neo, the path to her calling meant leaving behind a corporate job and returning to her roots. Her journey and Ipeleng's exemplify the spirit of Women's Month: celebrating women who forge ahead, making their presence felt and inspiring generations to come.
